Posted on 02/27/2014 7:14:28 AM PST by Texas Fossil
CARACAS, Venezuela—A gun-toting retired Venezuelan general has become a folk hero to the country's opposition and galvanized a protest movement by defying the government of President Nicolás Maduro, engaging in a Rambo-like standoff with security forces sent by the president to arrest him.
Angel Vivas has been holed up in his home in a hilly Caracas suburb since last weekend, when Mr. Maduro, on live television, ordered his arrest for having backed student protests that have convulsed this oil-rich nation.
When black-clad officers from military intelligence went to the retired Army general's house Sunday morning, he emerged wearing a flak jacket and armed with a semiautomatic rifle and pistol, warning that the only way he would be taken was in a body bag. Scores of neighbors came out in support of Gen. Vivas and heckled security forces, who eventually backed down.
"I have a right to self-defense," Gen. Vivas said in an interview inside his bunkerlike home, which is decorated with family pictures and mementos to his 40-year career in the army, including old rifles and swords.
"At no time did I order anyone to commit violence," he said, after the government said his tweet giving defense advice caused a death. "I was helping unarmed civilians defend themselves….A priest recommends prayer, a doctor recommends medicine, a military man recommends how to defend."
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
DC demo ping
“I ownder where he acquired that eeeevil looking “assault rifle”. “
Probably from an American “aid” program.
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